Abstract

Biochar is the result of heating biomass in a low to zero oxygen environment and biochar is suitable for soil improvement and carbon storage. A range of technologies and scales, from industrial continuous units, to micro-gasification cook stoves can produce biochar. Improved gasification cook stoves, in addition to their efficiency and reduced smoke production, can also be operated to provide biochar. Waste biomass, agri-residues and wood can be used as feedstock. The production conditions will influence the properties of biochar. The alkaline nature, high Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), water retention and availability of certain nutrients in the biochar contribute to the benefits it can bring to soil.